JD Meredith and Tim Kellum at ringside
Saturday night, Prize Fight Boxing put on an early Thanksgiving boxing card at Fitzgerald’s Casino – Tunica, for a jubilant sell out crowd. The card was not billed with a Thanksgiving theme but for fight fans it truly was a card to be thankful for.

Fights at the Fitz are always entertaining and enjoyable but Prize Fight went above and beyond Saturday night by opening up their stable and leading out two young studs that will one day stand at the starting gates for a shot at the triple crown of their divisions. Those studs, Anthony and Lamont Peterson, where brought in for what was is most likely their last appearances in a small venue such as the Ballroom at Fitzgerald’s.

The Petersons weren’t the only class acts on the card. DeAndre Abron battled Kippy Warren. Unbeaten, “Mr Showtime” Ira Terry faced Richard Dinkins and rounding out the card was Josiah Judah, younger brother to Zab “Super” Judah who sqaured off with Rodney Freeman.

Ann Wolfe was originally slated to fight Valarie Mafood, from who she resceived her sole defeat, but pulled out of the fight for reasons unknown.
Prior to the beginning of the first bout a ten count and moment of silence was extended to the memory of the late Hearn Marler. Hearn, who had fought at Fitzgerld’s, was recently killed in an automobile accident. (continued below)

Anthony Peterson vs Alfred Kotey
NABO Lightweight Champ and WBO #3 Lightweight Contender Anthony Peterson (136lb – 21-0, 15 ko’s) needed only his jab to work his way around former champ Alfred Kotey (135lb – 24-14-1, 14 ko’s). Persistent jabs in Kotey’s face kept him on the defensive for most of the fight with the exception of the a short bursts in round four and eight. Peterson dominated the fight but Kotey tried to work in his jab did manage to connect with a few of solid punches.

In round seven Peterson noticably let his hands go until Kotey’s jab began to connect.
Peterson then reeled it back in and continued to control the fight with the jab.

Kotey never seemed frustrated or hurt in the fight but did appear to be amazed at Peterson’s handywork.

After eight, all three judges scored the bout 80-72 for Peterson.

Lamont Peterson vs. Marteze Logan
NABF Light Welter Champ Lamont Peterson (141lb – 19-0, 7 ko’s) put his arsenal on display when he met up with local journeyman Marteze “Too Sweet” Logan (140lb – 24-26-2, 6 ko’s). Mixing jabs with combos, Peterson distributed punches evenly between Logan’s head and body.
Logan, is an agressive fighter who has been known to topple fighters in their prime. He is smart and elusive. Peterson took on his challenge and met it with skill and maturity, fighting within his limits and staying in control.

There were many great exchanges during this fight. Logan was able to land on occassion but Peterson landed his trademark left upper cuts and displyed his spectacular footwork by slipping and moving in a Matrix-like fashion. Peterson escaped the fight virtually unscathed.
After eight judges scored the bout 79-73 | 80-72 | 80-72 for Peterson.

At the break of the first round, Logan’s corner called referee Randy Phillips over to check a substance on what appeared to be Logan’s head. Phillips checked Peterson’s gloves and reported back to Logan’s camp without apparent incident.

DeAndre Abron vs. Kippy Warren
DeAndre Abron punctiated his eleventh victory with a frightening third round KO of fellow light heavyweight Kippy Warren. In a fight that was tilting in Warren’s favor, Abron was steadily beaten to the punch. Warren’s busy jab was in Abron’s face until 2:06 of round three when Abron delievered a brutal straight right to Warren’s head. Warren hit the canvas and immediately the fight was waved off. Warren’s head hit hard on the canvas when he fell which compounded the knockout blow. He was down quite some time and then medically assisted out of the ring. It certainly seemed Warren was frustrating Abron until the KO, however, Abron was able to bull his way to a win with pure power.

Ira Terry vs Richard Dinkins
Jr. Lightweight Ira Terry put the heat on Richard Dinkins. With vicious body work and heavy hands Terry pounded away at Dinkins. In round two Terry’s power dropped Dinkins to the canvas, forced the referree to give Dinkins a standing eight count then sent Dinkins to the canvas a second time. After the second knockdown Dinkins answered the referee on the count of eight and just as teh fight resumed, unbeknownst to Dinkins, his corner threw in the towel. The fight came to a merciful hault at 2:35 in the 2nd round. Dinkins was a gritty, determined fighter, but nevertheless, failed to deter Terry who cruises to 11-0 with 8 TKOS.

Josiah “Gorilla” Judah vs Anthony Bowman
Josiah “Gorilla” Judah, younger brother of Zab “Super” Judah fought at very tenative and hesitant bout against a game Anthony Bowman. Judah would not let his hands go and seemed to ease his way up to Bowman as if he were slowly looking around a corner. Judah’s corner asked him to stay with his jab. When Judah did connect he would back away to admire his work. During the many clinches that were seen Bowman would punch Judah in the back of the head. In round five Bowman had a point deducted for holding and punching. Judah didn’t look comfortable in this bout and Bowman landed the harder shots in this match. After six rounds Judges ruled unanimously for Judah, however Bowman appeared to be the crowd favorite after the fight. Scores were 58-56 | 59-54 | 59-54.

Light Heavyweight prospect DeAndrey Abron will battle local favorite Terry Porter in an eight round main event. Abron, 6-0 (5 KO’s), fighting out of Fort Carson, CO will be making his second appearance at Fitzgeralds this year. Abron appears to be on the fast track after a storied amateur career that saw him capture multiple golden glove and national championships. Terry Porter from nearby Elaine, AR brings years of experience against the best competition the business has to offer. Terry has been in with the likes of Monte Barrett, James Toney, Sam Peter and Michael Moorer to name just a few.The main event will be for the Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title.

“Fighting a warrior of Terry’s caliber is a great barometer for me. I just want to give the fans what they pay for. Great Boxing!”
– DeAndrey Abron

“Fighting a warrior of Terry’s caliber is a great barometer for me”, said Abron from Ft. Carson, Co. “I just want to give the fans what they pay for. Great Boxing!” Abron also said. “Terry Porter’s coming to represent the Mid-South. This is my second coming out party and I will be doing it in front of my people. Abron better be prepared for mortal combat!” proclaimed a ready Terry Porter.

This is my second coming out party and I will be doing it in front of my people. Abron better be prepared for mortal combat!”
– Terry Porter

A feature bout on the under card pits two undefeated pugilist against one another as Ty Barnett 5-0 (4 KO’s) battles Deon Nash 2-0 in a six round feature attraction. Barnett, a power punching phenom, from Washington D.C. looks to add to his impressive KO ratio against Nash a slick boxer from New Orleans, LA. “This fight is the traditional boxer versus puncher match. It is always interesting to see which style prevails,” said Prize Fight’s Brian Young.

Also on the card is world ranked Jr. Welterweight Lamont Peterson 14-0 (7 KO’s) out of Memphis, TN by way of Washington D.C. Peterson will battle former world ranked challenger Johnny “Live Wire” Walker 18-18 (12 KO’s) from Ft. Lauderdale, FL in a six round match.

In other matches on the card heavyweight Adam Richards 8-1 (6 KO’s) battles Hearn Marler 9-2 (5 KO’s) and Tunica’s own Jose “Pepe” Rubio will make his pro debut against Tad Waltman 1-0 (1 KO) in a super featherweight battle. “We are excited about the whole card. Every fight is closely matched on this card. It is wide open. I am personally excited about the debut of Pepe. He will give Tunica something to be very very proud of,” a pleased Brian Young said. Doors for the show open at 7:00 PM with the first bout starting shortly thereafter. Tickets for the event are $20 and are available at the Fitzgerald’s casino gift shop or by calling Prize Fight Boxing at (662) 349-6263.

SOUTHAVEN, MS The card for FAWL BRAWL II at the Isle Of Capri in Lula, MS is finally complete. A surprise on the card is a grudge rematch between DeAndrey Abron 5-0 (4 KO’s) and James Johnson. Abron and Johnson met this past September and the fight was stopped due to a cut by Johnson’s corner. “He knew I was about to stop him. This time I will finish him early,” an upset Johnson said. “I got tired of him parading around like he was the future of the division. Come October 15th I will stop him in his tracks. He may never fight again,” Johnson also said.

“He knew I was about to stop him. This time I will finish him early…” – James Johnson about DeAndrey Abron

“He is a mad and dirty fighter. I feel sorry for him. He tried to take our last fight to the streets and realized real quick that I feel at home in the streets,” Abron said. “If he could fight near as good as he could talk he would be somewhere by now.

“If he could fight near as good as he could talk
he would be somewhere by now.” – DeAndrey Abron of Johnson

The talking will be over next week. I will stop him early!” Also, KO artist Ty Barnett will display his one punch power against Steve Verdin in a six round Lightweight battle. The highly touted Anthony Peterson 13-0 (10 KO’s) will be on display again as he goes to war with Roy Bohannon 12-3 (7 KO’s) from Nashville, TN. “This is shaping up to be one of our best casino cards ever,” Nate Yoder of Prize Fight Boxing stated. “The main event between Alonzo Butler and Andrew Greeley for the Mid South Heavyweight Title is sure to be electric,” Yoder also said. “These shows are a tremendous opportunity for the Mid-South to view future world champions for a decent price. In my opinion there are at least 3 future world champions on this card if not more,” said Yoder. The main even between Alonzo Butler and Andrew Greeley is sure to be an intriguing match up.

“These shows are a tremendous opportunity for the Mid-South to view future world champions for a decent price. In my opinion there are at least 3 future world champions on this card if not more.” – Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

Alonzo Butler is on his way up and understands the tough obstacle in his path is Andrew Greeley. “I am coming to destroy Andrew Greeley because it is my job. He stands in the way of my destiny and that is a shot at the big dogs,” a confident Butler said. “Alonzo has never fought anyone of my caliber. His over confidence is going to find him tasting the canvas early and often. His prospect days are over,” said an annoyed Greeley. The six bout card is promoted by Prize Fight Boxing in association with the Isle of Capri, Miller Lite, New York Suit Exchange and the DeSoto Athletic Club.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling the Isle of Capri at 1-800-789-5825. Tickets are $20 reserved and $25 ringside. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.

Directions: FROM MEMPHIS – Take US 61 South 45 miles to US 49 and make a right. Take US 49 7 miles. Isle of Capri on right. FROM LITTLE ROCK Take I40 East 61 miles to exit 216. Take US 49 55 miles. Cross Mississippi River and the Isle of Capri is on left.

Jr. Lightweight, Emmanuel Ford (136 lbs.) did battle with David Vasquez (127 lbs.) Round one saw Ford being the aggressor while Vasquez turned it on late in the round. The Second round saw Vasquez pick up the pace and intensity. Ford’s slapping rights had no effect on Vasquez who eventually cornered Ford and proceeded to unload a few good shots. Ford managed to back out of the corner and then took a knee but no ‘touchbacks’ here as took Ford another knee in the second. Ford failed to answer the bell for the start of the third round. Ford either had a latent injury or simply quit, which looked like the later.

Jr. Middleweight Steve Verdin (160 lbs) blew into town from Houma Louisiana for this 6 round contest verses ‘Poison’ Pete Johnson (161 lbs.). ‘Poison’ was exactly what Verdin got as Johnson started out early in this one by working the ring from rope to rope. Verdin on the other hand seemed content fighting with his back close to the ropes and proved early on that he could take a punch from the young native of Tunica MS. It was evident from the first round that Johnson was clearly the more agile of the two. Light on his feet and well conditioned, Johnson charged into the second, landing shots to both the head and body of Verdin. Verdin seemed to have a sense of urgency in the second as he brought the fight to Johnson. Johnson’s was the more selective of the two when it came to throwing his punches and combinations. Verdin, on the other hand, could be nicknamed ‘Crawfish’ for his as he would establish himself in the center of the ring, only to wiggle and fade back into a corner. Possibly as a ploy to lure Johnson. Unfortunately for Verdin, however, the corner is no place to be as Johnson let loose with a fury 10 seconds to into the second. After the Ford fight, it was nice to see two fighters going at it early in the fight. Both fighters traded fists and did the do-se-do around the ring. Late in the third, it appeared that Verdin got Johnson’s attention with a bomb to the his head, stunning Johnson, but only for a moment as Johnson belted Verdin, drawing blood from his nose. In round four Johnson smells weakness and attacks Verdin, who was having breathing heavily. Johnson worked his way inside in the 4th and by the time the fifth rolled around, Johnson’s trainer yelled for Johnson to pace himself. Johnson responded by boxing with his guard down which is something he was doing in the first, but this time, he lead with his head. Taking advantage of Johnson’s new style or lack thereof, Verdin mounted an attack until he was apparently dropped by a wet area on the canvas in the red corner. Time was closing on Verdin in the 6th and he knew it. He knew he must fight to win and he staged a final attack. During his assault Verdin struck Johnson with his forearm, but Johnson shook it off like a bad suit. Johnson, fading fast as though someone zapped him of all energy, was fighting with his hands down and leading with his head despite repeated shouts from his trainer to protect his head. As Johnson continued to ignore requests from his corner to keep his hands up, Verdin dropped Johnson with a shot to the face, unfortunately the shot came just as the bell rang for the final time. Johnson faded at the end and didn’t close very well at all but managed to hang on for the decision.

In a female bout Lana ‘Ice’ Alexander took on Memphian Christy Sepulvado. This bout was one of the more entertaining fights of the evening as ‘Ice’ felt the heat from Memphian Sepulvado. Sepulvado extended ‘Ice’ the distance in her pro debut. The fight was ruled a majority draw.

If you go to see Ty Barnett fight, don’t blink. He’s a ‘head knocker’. Barnett dropped Anderson like a bad habit with a hard right just after the first minute. The shot was a blur, but it trailed like a hook.

Undefeated Lightweight Rayonta ‘Sting Ray” Whitfield took little time to dispense of Carlos Zambrano winning by TKO at 1:42 in round two. The stoppage was called by referee Randy Phillips and looked to be a wee bit too early. Granted Zambrano was on the ropes getting pelted by Whitfield, however, Zambrano still had his guard up and looked to be in good shape defending. In defense of the ref, Zambrano was not fighting back at the time. However, it appeared difficult for Zambrano to mount any offense at that particular time as Whitfield was showering his melon with a steady barrage of punches. Bottom line is that although it may have only been a matter of time, the ref was a bit quick on the trigger and it cost Zambrano early.

Light Heavyweight DeAndre Abron started his bout against ‘Gentleman’ James Johnson with a bang as he landed a big shot which he followed with several more to feel out the ‘Gentleman’. Both fighters boxed aggressively and both appeared eager to mix it up which was even more apparent during the second when a brawl broke out. Both fighters hurled punchs and insults as they ignored any instruction from the referee. The result of the scrap was that Johnson received either a head but or elbow that opened up a gash above his left eye. This gapping wound ultimately led to his corner to throw in the towel before Johnson could answer the call of the bell for round 3.

In a rather anti-climatic end to a good night of fights, Leon Bobo was victorious over Carlos Valdez and claimed the Mid-South Jr. Lightweight Championship. Both fighters fought with respect for one another, almost too much respect as they danced and clinched through the majority of the fight. Both fighters were warned on several occasions about clinching and fighting in clinch. Overall, it was a good fight, slow and almost cautious at times. Both fighters did in their minds what they thought they had to do to win the fight, with Bobo coming out victorious.

Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for upcoming fight information. If you have information about an upcoming fight click on the “Submit News” link in the top left corner of a MemphisBoxing.com web page and tell us about it.

The fight card will feature six exciting fights headlined by the undefeated Leon Bobo 9-0 (1 KO) battling tough nosed Carlos Valdez 10-3 (4 KO’s) for the Mid-South Jr. Lightweight Title. Bobo, from St. Louis, will meet Valdez, from Phoenix, in the eight round main event for the vacant Mid-South Title. “I have worked hard for this opportunity. This is a huge step in my career. First the Mid-South Title and then god willing many world titles to come.” said Bobo. The card, which will be televised via tape delay on UPN 30, will also feature 5 exciting undercard bouts. Rayonta Whitfield 9-0 (3 KO’s) from Augusta, GA will meet Carlos Zambrano 8-12-1 (1 KO) in an eight round Bantamweight match. The fight card will also feature an entertaining feature bout between Lana Alexander and Christy Sepulvado. The ladies will battle it out in a 4 round Lightweight war. Pete Johnson 5-4-1 (4 KO’s) will clash with Steve Verdin a veteran of over 25 fights in a six round Jr. Middleweight fight. Johnson from Tunica, MS will bring his large following to Fitzgeralds. “I love fighting at home. The excitement of the crowd energizes me. My friends and my family are close by to support me,” a proud Johnson stated. DeAndrey Abron 4-0 (3 KO’s) from Youngstown, OH will meet James Johnson 18-16-2 (11 KO’s) from Shreveport, LA in a 6 round Light Heavyweight battle. Wrapping up the exciting fight card will be the explosive Ty Barnett 4-0 (3 KO’s), who fights out of the same stable as the well known Anthony and Lamont Peterson. Barnett will meet Theodore Anderson in a 4 round lightweight match.

“This card is sure to be explosive. Anytime we can get this many world class fighters
in the same building there is sure to be electricity! If I was a fight fan I wouldn’t miss
this one for the world!”– Brian Young

Tickets for the event are $30 and may be purchased by calling the Fitzgeralds gift shop at (662)-363-5825. All individuals who purchase a ticket will receive a “Free Mid- Night Buffet” courtesy of Fitzgeralds.

Prize Fight Boxing is proud to announce “The Trilogy” Ann Wolfe vs. Valerie Mahfood III for the IBA Light Heavyweight Championship of the world on August 20, 2005 at The Isle of Capri in beautiful Biloxi, MS. Wolfe 21-1 (15 KO’s) lost her only professional match to Mahfood 19-9-1 (9 KO’s) on November 30, 2000 in Houston, TX by third round KO. Wolfe has since avenged that loss by defeating Mahfood on August 23, 2003 in Biloxi, MS by unanimous decision. Since that time a lot has been said as to who would win a third match between the two. Whoever wins the swing match will put to rest forever the question of who is better. Ann must defeat Valerie in order face a man on October 15, 2005 at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. The much talked about and rumored showdown between Ann and a Man will take place if Ann is able to get past Valerie on August 20, 2005. In attendance at the fight will be Ann’s proposed opponent for the October 15th showdown, Bo Skipper 11-3-2 (7 KO’s) from Laurel, MS. The Wolfe/Mahfood bout will take place at The Isle of Capri in Biloxi. The card will begin at approximately 7:30 pm precluded by 6 exciting under-card bouts. On the under-card will be Leon Bobo 9-0 (1 KO) from St. Louis, MO, DeAndrey Abron 4-0 (3 KO’s) from Youngstown, OH, Lamont Peterson 12-0 (6KO’s) from Washington D.C. and Anthony Peterson 11-0 (8 KO’s) from Washington D.C. “I expect this card to be the most powerful card ever brought to the coast,” exclaimed promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight. “I feel that the Wolfe/Mahfood showdown will bring fireworks to The Isle. Don’t blink or you may miss the bang,” Young said.